Big Almaty Round Travel
4-day backpacking tour to 4 Mountain Wonders: Tian Shan Forest, Alpine Meadows, Tourist Glacier, and Big Almaty Lake
More details about the Big Almaty Round Travel
Complexity
DIFFICULT
Experience of difficult one-day hikes and 2-3 day hikes with a heavy backpack is required
Experience of difficult one-day hikes and 2-3 day hikes with a heavy backpack is required
Distance
Transportation: 20 km
Hike: 41.3 km
Hike: 41.3 km
Backpack
Heavy (12-15kg)
group eguipment is handed out between all participants
group eguipment is handed out between all participants
OVERNIGHT
tents for 2-3 people
SEASON
July 10th - September 10th
LANGUAGE
English
Timeline of the Big Almaty Round Travel
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1
Day 1
Medeo - Shymbulak - Left Talgar River - Krasnaya Polyana
Cable Car: ~30 min
Hike: 5.3 km
Hike: 5.3 km
Meeting in the city center near your hotel. Before we start, we will distribute food and group equipment (tents, stoves, gas) among all the participants. As we arrive at Medeo, we will take the cable car up immediately to an altitude of 3,200 meters and from there, from the Big Talgar Pass, we will descend to the amazingly beautiful Left Talgar Gorge!
Overnight Location: Krasnaya Polyana
Overnight Location: Krasnaya Polyana
Day 2
Day 2
"Sunny" Glade - "Rhinoceros" Rock
Distance: 11 km
Today will be a more serious hiking day. We start at 6-7 AM. Ahead is an easy and picturesque ascent through the gorge. For over a kilometer, we will walk on rocks that have been carried out to the riverbanksby old mudflow. We will walk through the scenic meadows of Sunny Glade, the spreads of Left Talgar, and spend the night before the moraines of the Tourist Glacier with a magnificent view of the SGU and Soviet Mountaineers peaks.
Day 3
Day 3
Moraines - Tourist Pass, 1A
Distance: 11 km
A day of challenging ascents. We wake up early and set off along the ridges of the moraines towards our cherished goal—the Tourist Pass, at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, with eternal snow beneath our feet and a mass of ice below.
The views from the pass are incredible. We will leave a note about ourselves at the pass and head down, spending the night on a green meadow. Or, if we have the strength and desire, we will go a little further to the established camping site at the foot of Sovetov Peak.
The views from the pass are incredible. We will leave a note about ourselves at the pass and head down, spending the night on a green meadow. Or, if we have the strength and desire, we will go a little further to the established camping site at the foot of Sovetov Peak.
Day 4
Day 4
Confluence of Ozernaia River and Kyzylsai River - Big Almaty Lake - Shukur gorge
Distance: 14 km
Transfer: 20 km
Transfer: 20 km
We will start the day with a prolonged descent and equally impressive landscapes of the confluence of the Ozernaia and Kyzylsai rivers, as well as a view of the Big Almaty Lake—just as you’ve never seen it before!
Exiting through the Shukur glade, we will walk along the trail to the post in the gorge, where a vehicle will pick us up and take us home, happy and full of new impressions... to a shower and treats from the store 😊
At home, our bodies will feel very good and comfortable, but our thoughts will linger among the green hills and the spreads of Left Talgar...
Exiting through the Shukur glade, we will walk along the trail to the post in the gorge, where a vehicle will pick us up and take us home, happy and full of new impressions... to a shower and treats from the store 😊
At home, our bodies will feel very good and comfortable, but our thoughts will linger among the green hills and the spreads of Left Talgar...
List of essentials for the Big Almaty Round Trip
All gear is mandatory! Without the proper equipment, the guide reserves the right to refuse your participation in the hike.
Essentials
- Headlamp
- Mug, spoon, bowl, knife, bottle (1-2 l)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen 50spf
- Hygiene supplies
- Small towel
- Personal first aid kit
- Raincoat
Gear
- Backpack (60 - 90 l) + raincover
- Sleeping bag (comfort 0...-5°C)
- Camping mat
- Seat mats (optional)
- Trekking poles
- Trekking boots/sneakers
- Second pair of shoes (light sneakers or sandals)
- Waterproof gaiters
Clothes
- Trekking shirt (1-2pcs)
- Termal underware
- Fleece\Hoodie
- Down jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Underwear (2-3pcs)
- Extra socks (2pair)+ warm socks
- Sun hat and buff
- Woolen beanie
- Gloves (1-2 pair)
Additionally
- Passport (border guard document check)
- Some cash
- Earplugs, in case noise or snoring keeps you from sleeping.
4 Days = 4 Mountain Wonders
During the four-day hike, you will undergo a transformation. From acclimatization and adaptation to new conditions to a complete immersion in the rhythm of the hike, the romance of mountain travel, and an atmosphere of friendship and mutual support.
It is precisely after such a shared adventure that people fall in love with mountain hikes completely and irrevocably.
It is precisely after such a shared adventure that people fall in love with mountain hikes completely and irrevocably.
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Why Monte tours are best choice in Almaty
Interesting locations
Constantly changing locations: gorges, forests, and mountain rivers, alpine meadows transitioning into moraines and majestic glaciers surrounded by peaks and passes—we will explore all the beauty the mountains have to offer!
Preparation
We are 100% ready, and we’ll prepare you too! From our side – detailed consultation on gear; from yours – just don’t forget anything 😉
Safety First
All Monte guides are sports professionals with at least a Level III qualification in sports tourism or in mountaineering, skyrunning. They have completed guide training and first aid courses.
Off the beaten tourist path
Every Monte tour has a special twist. We choose unique and less-traveled locations where tourists can't reach by
Price for individual tour
1 person
$890
2 persons
$1000
$500/pp
3 persons
$1080
$360/pp
4 persons
$1200
$300/pp
5 persons
$1300
$260/pp
over 6 people
calculated individually
1
✔️ Included
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Guide service
Insurance (mountain tourism)
Basic first-aid kit
Repair kit
Group photos
Consultation on personal items and appropriate clothing
Hot meals (dinner and breakfast) and snacks for lunch
Light snacks at rest stops (candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits)
Tents (for 2-3 people)
Camping equipment
Transportation Almaty-Medeo-Talgar pass (start point)
Guide service
Insurance (mountain tourism)
Basic first-aid kit
Repair kit
Group photos
Consultation on personal items and appropriate clothing
Hot meals (dinner and breakfast) and snacks for lunch
Light snacks at rest stops (candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits)
Tents (for 2-3 people)
Camping equipment
Transportation Almaty-Medeo-Talgar pass (start point)
Transportation from Ayusai (finish point) to the city
Cable car at Shymbulak Mountain Resort
2
❌ Not included
Tickets to Almaty
Travel insurance
Porter service
Individual photo session
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike
Travel insurance
Porter service
Individual photo session
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpack, and other personal items necessary for a multi-day mountain hike
FAQ
Big Almaty Round Travel
Before booking, carefully study the tour program and then click the "BOOK" button. Our Coordinator will contact you via WhatsApp and ask you a few questions to understand your hiking experience and whether you are prepared for such a journey.
Since the hike is multi-day and requires thorough preparation, we recommend contacting us in advance (2-3 months before the trip) to discuss the details. To book the tour, we require a 10% deposit, with the remaining amount to be paid 30 days before the tour. Refund conditions are outlined below.
Since the hike is multi-day and requires thorough preparation, we recommend contacting us in advance (2-3 months before the trip) to discuss the details. To book the tour, we require a 10% deposit, with the remaining amount to be paid 30 days before the tour. Refund conditions are outlined below.
1-2 day tours: If the cancellation is made at least 72 hours in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 72 hours in advance, a 70% refund will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 48 hours in advance, a 50% refund will be provided. No refund will be given for cancellations made on the day of the service.
Multiday tours: If the cancellation is made at least 15 calendar days in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 15 calendar days in advance, the refund will be issued minus actual expenses incurred (such as advance payments for transfers, hotel reservations, food purchases, tickets, etc.), but not exceeding 70% of the tour price. If the cancellation is made less than 7 calendar days in advance, a 50% refund of the tour price will be provided.
Multiday tours: If the cancellation is made at least 15 calendar days in advance, a full refund (100%) will be provided. If the cancellation is made less than 15 calendar days in advance, the refund will be issued minus actual expenses incurred (such as advance payments for transfers, hotel reservations, food purchases, tickets, etc.), but not exceeding 70% of the tour price. If the cancellation is made less than 7 calendar days in advance, a 50% refund of the tour price will be provided.
This hike is not for beginners. If you have been to the mountains before, you already know what to expect—add to that a backpack weighing 10-12 kilograms. But it's worth it))) To ensure an even physical load, we use a 50/10 timing method, which means that every 50 minutes of walking, we take a 10-minute break.
The main challenge will fall on the 3rd and 4th days of the hike, where you will need to ascend moraine hills, and on the last day, we will face a prolonged descent towards Big Almaty Lake and Shukur gorge.
Follow your guide’s instructions and be sure to acquire trekking poles to reduce the load on your back and knee joints.
The main challenge will fall on the 3rd and 4th days of the hike, where you will need to ascend moraine hills, and on the last day, we will face a prolonged descent towards Big Almaty Lake and Shukur gorge.
Follow your guide’s instructions and be sure to acquire trekking poles to reduce the load on your back and knee joints.
Едва ли плохая погода сможет сильно омрачить поход, ведь одно из изюминок горных путешествий это увидеть природу в ее разных проявлениях.
Однако, есть несколько моментов которые стоит учесть:
Однако, есть несколько моментов которые стоит учесть:
- Удача любит подготовку. В списке вещей есть дождевик, хорошие горные ботинки, накидка на рюкзак - все это поможет вам с бОльшим комфортом перенести капризы погоды.
- Экстремальная погода. В случае действительно сильных продолжительных ливней, руководитель похода может принять решение о переносе похода, либо приостановке похода если погода застала уже в пути. Таким образом, если погода помешает преодолеть весь путь, маршрут может быть сокращен на усмотрение руководителя.
- Катаклизмы. В случае если есть предпосылки к каким либо природным катаклизмам, организаторы и гид похода могут перенести либо вовсе отменить поход с возвратом денежных средств.
When climbing to a height above 2500 m.a.s.l., mountain sickness may occur with the following symptoms: headache, weakness and sickness. If such symptoms appear, you shall immediately inform your guide, make a stop, take out your bottle of water and drink as much water as possible in small sips.
However, the ascent will be gradual, and the risk of experiencing altitude sickness is extremely low. But if you have contraindications for ascending to high altitudes, it is better to decline the hike.
When crossing scree sections, there is a danger of spraining an ankle or tripping and getting injured from a fall, so be sure to use trekking poles to maintain balance and do not remove your safety helmet. If you accidentally dislodge a stone, you should immediately shout the command "Stone" so that your fellow hikers below can avoid and prevent injury.
This hike is not suitable for people who have never been to the mountains before. This approach is suitable for experienced hikers who have participated in 2-3 day mountain hikes.
Another danger is getting sunstroke when staying in the sun without a hat. It's simple - take a Panama hat with you!
And sunscreen and glasses will also save you from the harmful effects of the sun.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof hardshell jacket - mountain weather is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!
However, the ascent will be gradual, and the risk of experiencing altitude sickness is extremely low. But if you have contraindications for ascending to high altitudes, it is better to decline the hike.
When crossing scree sections, there is a danger of spraining an ankle or tripping and getting injured from a fall, so be sure to use trekking poles to maintain balance and do not remove your safety helmet. If you accidentally dislodge a stone, you should immediately shout the command "Stone" so that your fellow hikers below can avoid and prevent injury.
This hike is not suitable for people who have never been to the mountains before. This approach is suitable for experienced hikers who have participated in 2-3 day mountain hikes.
Another danger is getting sunstroke when staying in the sun without a hat. It's simple - take a Panama hat with you!
And sunscreen and glasses will also save you from the harmful effects of the sun.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof hardshell jacket - mountain weather is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!
Before the Hike:
- Trim your hair, shave, and trim your nails on hands and feet.
- Dental Check-Up: Schedule a visit to the dentist—dental pain can force you to abandon the route, so take care of it in advance.
- A small bar of soap in a plastic bag (do not take liquid soap).
- A small, quick-drying (sports) towel.
- Toothbrush.
- Toothpaste (a very small amount).
- A roll of toilet paper.
- Lip balm.
- You can take one small pack of wet wipes. Do not leave them in the mountains as they harm the environment.
- Do not take a large pack as its weight will add to the burden on your backpack.
- You can take a small sponge for easier washing with cold spring water.
- It's better not to take deodorant—it's like using deodorant before a heavy workout in the gym.
- Disposable razor (optional).
- For Women: It's advisable to bring a set of hygiene products for periods.
- Sometimes you need to quickly get ready in the morning, and by evening, you might be too tired for any bathing procedures.
- Recommendation: Perform hygiene during lunch while the guide is preparing food. Often, it's hottest at lunchtime, providing time to dry off and dry small clothing items (like socks).
- In the evening, you can also set aside time for hygiene, provided you warm up in your sleeping bag or by the campfire.
- Basic Items (sweaters/pants): It is not customary to wash them during a hike lasting no more than a week.
- Weather Considerations: Weather is unpredictable, and based on experience, it's better to have non-fresh but dry clothes than clean and wet ones. The main priority is to maintain your health.
- If Clean Socks or Underwear Run Out: To wash, you need to go downstream along the river so that the staff do not collect soapy water for cooking.
- It's incorrect to contaminate water with toothpaste, so to brush your teeth, simply fill a cup with water and step aside.
- If there are no special toilets at the campsite, find a secluded spot.
- After completing all necessary business, try to conceal the traces of your activities as much as possible.
- Do not wash your head during the hike due to the high risk of getting sick or catching a chill.
- Advice for Women: Wash your hair in the morning on the day the tour starts and braid it into a plait or ponytail to keep it tidy longer.
- Do not take shampoos and conditioners—they will be an unnecessary load on your shoulders.
- Hot water for washing is not provided during the hike.
- If cooking with gas stoves, the gas voume is not provided for heating additional water for washing or brushing.
- If cooking over a campfire, only after finishing dinner can you use free pots to heat extra water for yourself.